First Trip to NYC with Daughter
 

I am taking a "spur of the moment" trip with my daughter for her 13th birthday to NYC in August. Our FIRST TRIP EVER TO NYC and I am a bit overwhelmed with the transportation issue and how to find the easiest way to see the main things we want to see. Since we will only be there over the weekend (10 hour drive from NC) - I want to limit what we do, but am really worried about getting lost, etc. I know to native New Yorkers that probably sounds crazy, but I don't have a clue where to begin. We know we want to see Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, WTC, Times Square, etc. HOW do I begin all of this????? Also, where is the BEST place to buy Broadway Tickets...do shows like Wicked and Mary Poppins sell out fast for weekend shows? HELP ME!!!! P.S. We are hoping to stay in New Jersey so that we can visit Carlo's Bake Shop too!!!!

DON'T STAY IN NEW JERSEY. You will spend all your time in traffic coming into and out of the city. You can find reasonably priced hotels here in the think of everything reasonably priced.

Since this is your first trip to the city, try The Ace Hotel, which is just blocks from Macy's and within walking distance of alot of the sites on your list and walkable at night to the Theatre District. (www.acehotel.com), it is well priced and a new hotel. Lots of restaurants and fast food places in the area and lots of shopping for your daughter.

IF you are driving, you will need a place to park and you might park in NJ and take public transit over, or check the Travel Inn Hotel on W 42nd St, as they are the only hotel in the city to offer free parking.

On shows, check www.playbill.com for discounted shows, but the popular shows like Wicked do NOT discount, they are still selling out most nights, so you would need full price so check playbill and tickmaster for pricing.

www.tkts.org is the discount site IN the city for 25% to 50% off that days performance. There are 2 places in the city, Times Square and the South ST. Seaport. I prefer the Seaport location, very short lines and it opens at 10am so you can get there, get your tickets and be back in touring mode quickly. Also Chinatown and Little Italy are within walking distance, so you can head up that way for lunch and goodies and shopping.

2 suggestions are get a book on the city and get a map, so you have some idea of where things are located.

Top ideas for your daughter would be the Central Park Zoo, and the Museum of Natural History and the Planetarium.

The subway here is alot easier to figure out then it might seem from a distance. Once you master one line, it's easy to figure out the others and if you have questions, just ask most of us already know you are visiting, the deer in headlights look that visitors exhibit kind of gives it away.

Mostly just relax and know that you are going to have a great time, and if you get lost, that's ok I do it once in a while too, so don't worry.

If you go to the box above "view by state" and click on NY you will see many similiar topics.

What is Carlo's Bake Shop?

Thank you all for the info so far....Carlo's Bakery is where "Cake Boss" from TLC works from. My daughter loves him and is dying for patries from there....crazy to drive 10 hours for patries I know - but she is turning 13...lol! travelbuff...that is very helpful...I have been wondering if it was better to stay in New Jersey and take the "Path" into the city or just stay in the city. It seemed much less expensive to do the first, but I will keep researching!!!!

I think you'll have a better time staying in Manhattan. The Travel Inn is the only hotel in Manhattan with free parking. It's not a bad location and while it's not fancy, it's fine. The Skyline hotel near it charges $10/day parking and is also ok. OR, just book a hotel and look for nearby parking on bestparking.com
If you do opt to stay in NJ, make sure it's a hotel near a PATH train. You don't want to be dealing with buses. The other idea is to stay at the Sheraton in Weehawken which is across the Hudson from midtown. But they charge for parking and on weekends, the ferry in front of the hotel doesn't run so you need the hotel shuttle to get to another shuttle or take a bus.

You can visit Carlo's either on your way into Manhattan or leaving or by public transport if you stay in Manhattan.

To actually visit the Statue of Liberty will take a lot of time b/c of ferries and heavy security. If just seeing it is enough, there are many cruises that pass by for good photos. The fastest the Beast by Circleline.com that's a speedboat. Or you can do a 90 min. cruise with nywaterway.com

Empire state is another time consuming visit. You need to buy tickets in advance online on their website to avoid that line but you'll still have to wait for elevators unless you do a fast pass (pricey). Many people prefer Top of the Rock.

Wicked sells out regularly but Mary Poppins is usually easy to get discounted. Look at the left column of broadwaybox.com For Wicked, if you can't find tickets on the official website (which is the BEST place to buy them) and you're prepared to pay brokers, look on the sold out section of broadwaybox and also on www.applause-tickets.com

You might consider an overview bus tour like kingofnyc.com

It's the bakery in "Cake Boss" which airs on TLC.

With only a weekend, I wouldn't even think about trying to go to Carlo's.

I would suggest on your first day there take the the Staten Island Ferry which sails around the Statue of Liberty and back to Manhattan. This boat doesn't stop but gives you great views of the Statue of Liberty. You won't have time for anything else. After the ferry ride walk over to the WTC site but what you need to visit is the nearby church that has pictures and a memorial. I think it's St. Peter's. While you are in this area,you can go by the TKTS booth that is in South St Seaport and see what tickets are available for that evening or the following day matinee. I looked at the list and you might be able to get Mary Poppins tickets but Wicked you'd have to pay full price.

I'd then go back towards midtown (get a metro card and a subway map) and head towards midtown where you can see Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, etc. I would save Times Square for the evening since you're going there anyway for a show. I would suggest you do Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) instead of the Empire State Building. At Top of the Rock you can buy tickets for a set time and don't have to stand in the long line you'd get at the Empire State Building. You just don't have the time for that. You can get a great view of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock.

As others have said, either search here or get a good tour book to give you other ideas. travelbuff gave you some good ideas as to where to park your car.

For Broadway shows, I'd highly suggest booking in advance so you don't waste a lot of time standing in line at TKTS. As others have mentioned, it's easy to find discounted tickets on sites like broadwaybox.com. For a show like Wicked, if budget is a concern you can consider the less expensive seats, which are up high and far from the stage. It's actually not bad to see the show that way, since you get to enjoy the whole spectacle of it.

Looks like mclaurie was posting the same time I was so lots of the same info. Sounds like your daughter really wants to go to Carlo's. Look them up on yelp and you will see that the lines are often really long with an hour wait to get in. So just be prepared for that. Mclaurie's idea of hitting the bakery on the way in or out of Manhattan is a good idea.

I agree that I wouldn't waste time at the TKTS booth in Times Square. The lines are really long although they move quickly. But if you are the area of the South St. Seaport booth, you might get tickets at a good discount. Last time I was down there, there was no line at all.

You are all being SO helpful!!! I had heard about the TKTS booths and wondered how effective they were for how much savings. Yes...she REALLY wants to go to Carlos and we plan on at least 1/2 day for that. PLEASE do not be offended if you are from NY - but I HAVE to ask this....would it be safe to go to an 8:00 show then get on Subways,etc with myself and 2 young girls to get back to hotels, etc. or should I just really try to get into the 2:00 showings. I know NYC subways are not nearly as bad as I am sure I have heard, but compared to NC...I am sure I will have that "Tourist Deer in the Headlights" look as someone mentioned prior - lol!

It is perfectly safe on the subway after the theater. You will be on subways filled with other theatergoers and many other people on their way home or out for the evening. 11 PM is not considered that late in NYC.

Definitely stay in Manhattan - NJ is just not the same and you will waste a lot of time - besides not having a New York experience.

Go to broadwaybox.com to see which shows are discounting (Mary Poppins is but got awful reviews, Wicked is not an dyou woul dhave to payful price and try to tickets now).

To visit the SOL you also need to get tickets now - if there are any left - for the ferry and the Statue. To see both it and the Ellis Island Immigartion Museum (same ferry) wil tke about 6 hours.

If you don; think it's worth that much of your trip - just take the free Staten Island ferry (runs every 15 or 20 minutes 24/7) to get a good view of the statue and a great one of the Manahttan skyline on the way back.

Get a downloadable subway map now and study it. The subway is your friend and by far the most efficient way to get longer distances - for shorter ones use feet.

Mommy,
As far as New Jersey hotels, I did a quick look-see using Aug 14 weekend and the Hyatt Regency Jersey City has availability at reasonable rates and is near the PATH or ferry to NYC. Overnight parking is an additional $32. This could be good for you.
http://www.jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyat...uestid=1810389

As far as NYC hotels, I have business associates who get excellent deals on Priceline.

I am not from NYC but from CA and I love the NY subways. Quickest way to get around and defiitely safe. However depending on where you stay in the city, you may not even need to use the subway to get back to your hotel after the show. My other favorite thing about NYC is that you can walk everywhere and people are always out and about. Not something we do much of here in So Cal!!

Luckily we are just wanting to "see" as much as we can while we are there. If we can just SEE the Staute of Liberty - she will love it, we aren't planning on spending the time to actually go out to the island. Same with the Empire State Building. IF we stay in NJ - the two recommended places to us were "Courtyard by Mariott" near the Path Station and "Holland Motor Lodge" near the Holland Tunnel. Any experiences with any of these????

Do not stay at the Holland Motor Lodge. It is on the direct traffic route from major highways into the Holland Tunnel--often a noisy traffic nightmare.

I encourage you to explore options in Manhattan. You will appreciate bring able to return to your hotel in the afternoon if necessary to drop packages, rest, change clothing, whatever, before heading out for your evening activities. This is much less convenient if staying in NJ.

NYC subways are very safe, and around 10-11:00 in the theater district, you won't be riding the trains alone. In fact the concern with public transport that I would have is the frequency of PATH trains heading cross-river to NJ at night.

Should note also that the subway stations can be a little frantic so you need to stay calm. if you miss a train another will come. When you're on the train, particularly late-night, the conductors do not announce the stops so you must pay attention and, if necessary ask someone what the next stop is.

I'm not familiar with the hotels in NJ and I won't try to dissuade you from staying there, but if you're open to other NY ideas, you can try the Hampton Inn which frequently has discounts.

I would really love to stay in the city, but so far everything I have seen is well over $200 per night to hold 4 people. That would be well over $600 BEFORE paying to park, etc. I was hoping to get out a little bit less than that. I was also a little nervous about driving into the city myself. I must sound like some "crazy person" but Charlotte and Asheville will not even compare traffic wise - lol. I would rather spend the money on tickets for the shows, etc. I will have to really think about this because it does sound MUCH easier staying in the city. Any places to stay AWAY from????

The Courtyard is ok but I wouldn't stay at the Holland Motor Inn. Who recommended these to you???

Goldstar.com is a good place to check for discounts on various things.

Hi, I live right around the corner from Hoboken in Jersey City and I can tell you that if that's the Courtyard by Marriott that you are considering, it is a good choice if you do decide to stay here and not in NYC, not the purpose of my post. I've had guests stay there and they've been happy. I think they have a continental breakfast too. Other posters here have made a good point to stay in NYC because of being able to rest in the middle of the day. From mid-town Manhattan (Penn Station PATH stop) it is a solid 25 minutes out to that PATH station. On the weekends the PATH goes first to Hoboken and stays there for 5 or 7 minutes, and then goes on to Jersey City. It's not quick. Not bad at the end of the day, but I don't think doable if you wish to rest after lunch.

The hotel is indeed right above the PATH station. It is $1.75 each ticket, and you can take the PATH to Hoboken to Carlo's Bake Shop. It is 1 block from the Hoboken PATH station, so you wouldn't have to drive -- which is good because Hoboken does not have much on-street parking.

The line for Carlo's stretches down the block and around the corner. I understand that your daughter in interested in it, but the bake shop is really smaller than a 2-car garage. If you must go, instead of waiting on that line in the heat (no trees nor benches) you can just take a photo in front of the shop.

And as Ellenem said, do NOT stay in the Holland Motor Inn. I drive by it all the time and it does not seem to me to be a safe alternative. It is right at the corner in front of the Holland Tunnel. Pollution and noise and cars -- I can't imagine you would have a good night of sleep.

And if you do stay in Manhattan, you can go out on the PATH to Carlo's and then back, no need to take your car.

4 people? This is new addition to your requirements . . . What kind of accommodation do you need for your 4 people? How many beds?

People who are more local will have more details, but is there any way you can drive to NJ and leave your car, taking transit of some sort into the city for your stay? I don't mind driving in cities, and have even driven in San Francisco, but I would never drive in NYC...not only is it intimidating and expensive, but there are so many better options.

Sorry ellenem....my daughter is taking a friend and her mom. I wasn't sure about the mom until today.

<<<This boat doesn't stop but gives you great views of the Statue of Liberty.>>>

The Staten Island Ferry stops on Staten Island, of course, and you have to get off. You can turn around and get right back on the next boat, but you do have to disembark.

Do you plan to share a room? Do you plan to share beds?

For example, a quick look at hotels.com brought up:

= Doubletree New York-Chelsea for a room with two double beds for $215 (non-refundable; $239 refundable) per night for August 13-15.

= Embassy Suites Financial District for a King Suite (king bed, sleeper sofa, breakfast buffet included) for $229 (non-refundable; $249 refundable)

= Beekman Tower Hotel for a one-bedroom suite or superior one-bedroom suite (queen bed, sleeper sofa) for $239

On the ferry right side out, left side back to see the Statue.

Now that the other Mom is coming are you the only one paying for the room? I would think the other Mom would kick in some money.

As far as Carlo's Bakery, I like the idea of just going by and taking a picture. You are doing a long weekend, driving 10 hours from North Carolina and are planning on half a day to see Carlo's Bakery. Honestly this gives you a day and half for NYC and you are trying to see a show and will be spending time going back and forth to New Jersey. I have done some pretty crazy trips but even for me this sounds exhausting.

I agree I wouldn't want to drive into NYC so maybe someone else here can help you with places to park the car for the weekend. If you are going to do this trip, I'd throw in a few more dollars for the room and get a room in the city. I'd also check the PATH schedule for late night returns to the Marriott.

Yes one room two beds....That would be GREAT if there is somewhere pretty safe to park over the weekend, then head into the city to stay. Ellenem...are there any areas to stay away from??? Not safe...
Embassy Suites sounds good with breakfast included...especially if I can find somehwere reasonable to park the car.
This is SO MUCH HELP!!!!!

I would think midtown and downtown might appeal to your group more--closer to your interests--and both areas are safe.

The real unsafe situation is in choosing an inexpensive hotel that is a horrible place not up to code--some of these are actually featured on websites like hotels.com. Check back with us if you see a deal that seems to good to be true--it probably is.

The Embassy Suites seems like a great deal.

Two other possibilites are
Eastgate Towers. $225 a night plus tax. Big room with bed and sleeper sofa, kitchen with refrigerator.
http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City...Eastgate-Tower

Hilton Garden Inn Chelsea $199 a night plus tax 2 queen beds which is good because lots of NYC hotels don't have quuens when there are two beds in a room. Gets good reviews on tripadvisor. http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en...tyhocn=NYCCHGI

I stayed at the Eastgate Tower before. Older hotel but clean and rooms are big. Little bit of a walk to the subway station but that's the biggest downside.

Afraid I can't help you with a place to park the car.

If another mom is coming then you shouldn't have any trouble at all getting a decent hotel in NYC within your budget. Even if each mom pays $150 per night you will have a lot of choices. (And don;t see why another kid and mom should be free.)

Believe me - you will hate yourselves if you stay in Jersey versus Manhattan - you miss so much. (And don;t even consider the Holland Motel thing - it would be like trying to sleep in the middle of a construction zone - cars, buses and heavy trucks rushing by 24/7.)

The Travel Inn, a well-regarded budget hotel has some double double rooms for only $289 in August. Not only does it have a pool it also has the only free parking in Manhattan.

If it's available for your nights I would jump on it. Ot check out travelzoo etc for your nights.

There is a way for you to park your car in New Jersey for a minimal amount of money and safe -- at the NYWaterway ferry terminal in Weehawken. Many people have done this -- even me when I lived farther away in New Jersey and spent the weekend in Manhattan.

I think it costs $10 a day to park there with the limit being 5 days or so. You can park in their lot, take your parking ticket, buy a round-trip ticket for everyone, go across the Hudson River with your luggage on the ferry, and then take a taxi to whichever hotel you are staying at. There is a taxi stand right at the ferry terminal in NYC. And when you return to the ferry terminal in Weehawken, pay for your parking at the ferry ticket window.

The ferry runs every 15 or 20 minutes across to 34th street. During the week the ferry goes from Weehawken to Lower Manhattan but I cannot say for sure if it does on the weekends. You will have to check: www.nywaterway.com.

I also think either the Travel Inn with free parking, the Skyline with $10 parking or leaving the car at the Port Imperial terminal of the Nywaterway.com ferry and staying in Manhattan are the best ideas. STaying in midtown is a better option. The Hilton Garden Inn & the Hampton Inn Times Square North have rooms with 2 queen beds instead of the more typical 2 doubles.

And, assuming it's like other Hampton Inns, they would offer free breakfast, a definite plus.